asked the Minister for Justice when it is expected that the examination of police requirements in the Coolock area, Dublin by the research and planning unit of the force will be completed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Coolock (Dublin) Police Requirements.
32.
Examination of the police requirements of the Dublin Metropolitan Area, including Coolock, is proceeding, but I am not in a position at this stage to say when it will be completed.
As this Garda station is so much under strength at the moment would the Minister not permit the superintendent in charge to permit the gardaí to work overtime? Is the Minister aware that a Catholic church in the area has to close its doors in the daytime in case it would be broken into because there are no gardaí to supervise it?
It is a matter entirely at the discretion of the superintendent in the area to authorise overtime and he will do so where he is satisfied that it is necessary.
Would the Minister not take the matter up with the superintendent in this area? It is impossible to get gardaí in this area at 9.30 in the morning as they have to protect the banks.
The question does not refer to overtime and, accordingly, I have no figures or details of what overtime has been allowed in the area.
The only way the overtime can be granted is if the commission recommends it. Would the Minister not contact the superintendent to see if something could be worked out to improve Garda supervision in this area?
I have no details of what the overtime is in that area. It may well be quite extensive.
The Minister will do nothing about this.